FACTS:
A toxic culture of bullying and intimidation at a high-level is being blamed for the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service’s poor performance, in a damning letter to Director-General Dr John Wakefield.
The letter, obtained under a Right to Information request, was a “desperate plea for direct intervention and help” which was ignored by Queensland Health.
It claimed the “punishing, chaotic and dysfunctional” work environment was “without a doubt impacting the health service’s performance.”
Shadow Minister for Open Data and Member for Buderim Brent Mickelberg submitted the RTI after being made aware of the toxic culture.
Former CEO Naomi Dwyer resigned six weeks after the RTI was submitted.
24 senior staff members left the health service while Ms Dwyer was in charge. There is no way this went unnoticed.
During Ms Dwyer’s 3-year reign, there were five different heads of the People and Culture Department.
Last year, two brave whistleblowers had their employment suspended.
“Staff were too scared to complain, and those who did were shown the door. This State Government has lost all integrity,” Mr Mickelberg said.
“Claims that the Hospital Board and Queensland Health knew about the appalling treatment of senior staff and failed to act is shameful.
“This toxic culture was allowed to continue for almost three years and has directly impacted the people of the Sunshine Coast.
“SCUH and Nambour are the two worst performing public hospitals in Queensland for elective surgery wait times. One in three patients are not treated on time at SCUH. It’s a disgrace.
“It’s clear the culture of cover-ups is so pervasive within the State Government, it has resulted in Queensland Health workers being bullied, harassed and victimised.
“Health Workers and the Sunshine Coast residents they care for, deserve better.
“Time and time again we have seen matters of poor integrity covered up by the State Government.
“The culture of cover-ups must be exposed to ensure it does not continue on the Sunshine Coast or anywhere else in Queensland.”
